The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta – World’s Largest Ballooning Event

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the world’s largest ballooning event. The festival begins the first weekend of October and lasts nine days. In addition to the popular mass ascension, which kicks off at sunrise, several other festivities occur throughout the day, including concerts, special shapes rodeos, balloon glows, and glowdeos (a display of illuminated special shape balloons followed by fireworks and a laser show). For best vies and photo opps of interesting shaped hot air balloons, try to time your visit with one of the special shape events.

Yoda is one of many interesting shaped hot air balloon at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta flying over New Mexico.

The Special Shapes Rodeo is one of the most popular events at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Hot air balloons and volcanoes. Just another morning in New Mexico.

Colorful balloons dot the skies over Albuquerque every October.

Numerous special shape balloons make an appearance at the world’s largest balloon festival.

Torches at twilight at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Getting ready for takeoff at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Hot air balloons begin to ascend as the sun rises over the Sandia Mountains.

Fish, monkeys, cows, and even Star Wars characters are just a few of the many interesting shaped hot air balloons.

Hooked fish special shape hot air balloon at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Flying over the Rio Grande during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Wooden roller-coaster with hot air balloons in the background.

We all heart hot air balloons. Especially during the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Birds of a feather… Not all interesting shaped hot air balloons have to be complicated. These special shaped penguins are crowd pleasers at the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

The paragliding act entertains attendees after the hot air balloons have left the park.

17 countries were represented at last years Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. It’s by far the world’s largest ballooning event.

Pilots try their luck at grazing the Rio Grande water.

Mass Ascension from above.

Mass Ascension begins at sunrise.

The Sandia Mountains are a stunning backdrop to the world’s largest ballooning event.

Lottie Dottie Chicken is one of many special shape balloons that make an appearance. Many other interesting shaped hot air balloons also make an appearance.

Hot air balloons fly over the ribbon of green that cuts across the high alpine desert of New Mexico. The river’s forest is known as The Bosque.

Balloon flying over the Rio Grande Bosque.

Hundreds of hot air balloons adorn the skies over Albuquerque, NM at the International Balloon Fiesta mass ascension.

Pilots try to get as close to the Rio Grande water as possible. Many times, they are able to dip the gondola.

The city’s growth and infill has begun to limit the landing spots for balloonists who come from all over the world for the International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta.

Hot air balloons on the Rio Grande.

Hot air balloons flying over Albuquerque.

Hot air balloons over the Rio Grande Bosque.

The lush green forest fed by the Rio Grande is known as The Bosque.

The fiesta, which originated in a parking lot, now has a dedicated park and museum.

Flying at sunrise during the Abuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.

Many events take place at the balloon fiesta grounds, including a chainsaw carving competition.

Bears, dogs, astronauts, and many other special shapes make an appearance every year.

Special shape balloons mix with traditional balloons at the fiesta.

The Darth Vader balloon is sometimes accompanied by storm troopers who don’t mind posing for selfies. Definitely one of the most popular and interesting shaped hot air balloons.

Flying over the Rio Grande Bosque.

Crewing during the hot air balloon fiesta is a highlight for many visitors.

Flying over the Bosque.

Bud E Beaver, an interesting shaped balloon at the Special Shapes Rodeo.

This blue chicken is named Lottie Dottie Chicken. Balloons have distinct names. Many visitors collect cards and pins from each balloon, especially the more interesting shaped hot air balloons.